Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: May 2002
Last Revision Date: May 2002

• What is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?
• What causes it?
• Who can get it?
• What are the signs and symptoms?
• Is it contagious?
• How is it treated?
• How long does it last?
• Can it be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?

• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is also known as JRA.
• It is arthritis that affects children age 16 or younger.
• In JRA, the body's immune system starts to attack instead of protect the body's tissues.
• The attack can cause redness, swelling, and pain in the joints.
• There are three main types of JRA. They include pauciarticular, polyarticular, and systemic. Ask your doctor.

What causes it?

• The cause is not known.
• It may be due to both genetic factors (from parents) and environmental factors (for example, from infections).

Who can get it?

• Children age 16 and under can get JRA.
• It is more common in females.

What are the signs and symptoms?
Symptoms of JRA usually show up around the age of 4 or 5. To be diagnosed for JRA, symptoms must last at least 6 weeks. They may include:

• Stiffness in the morning or after a nap
• Swelling, warm, aching, or painful joints
• Feeling overly tired
• Weight loss
• Fevers (fevers that suddenly show up and suddenly disappear)
• Rash (rash that suddenly shows up and suddenly disappears)
• Limping
• Sore wrist, finger, knees, or feet
• Stiffness in the neck, hips, or other joints
• Children may not complain of pain
• Children may have symptoms often or rarely
• Extreme clumsiness

Is it contagious?

• No. JRA is not contagious.

How is it treated?

• The doctor may need to take several tests, including blood tests or X-rays, to diagnose your child.
• If your child is diagnosed with JRA, the doctor will start a treatment plan for your child.
• JRA cannot be cured but it can be treated. Treatment is different for each person.
• The goal of treatment is to control pain, prevent joints from losing motion, and to help already stiff joints move more easily.
• Treatment often includes a team of doctors and professionals.
• Children may be given prescription medication.
• Sometimes, over-the-counter medicines for pain (such as Tylenol) are recommended.
• Treatment also may include physical therapy. A specially trained doctor will help your child exercise and stretch.
• Reducing stress may help decrease symptoms.
• Eat healthy.
• Parents can help by encouraging an active lifestyle. Exercise is very important.
• Walking, swimming, and biking are often recommended.
• Help your child follow doctors' instructions. Notify the school so teachers and nurses can help.
• When your child has symptoms, stopping exercise may be recommended until they improve.

How long does it last?

• Children have a better chance than adults of outgrowing arthritis. They also have a lower chance of having a disability as a result of the arthritis.
• Many children with JRA outgrow their symptoms.

Can it be prevented?

• There is no known way to prevent it.
• It is always best to eat healthy, exercise, and take good care of yourself.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor if you think your child has symptoms of JRA.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment or condition.

Quick Answers

• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a form of arthritis that affects children age 16 or younger.
• The cause is not known.
• Females are more likely to get it.
• Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, pain, or warmth in the joints.
• JRA is not contagious.
• The goal of treatment is to control pain, to prevent joints from losing motion, and to help already stiff joints move more easily.
• Many children with JRA outgrow their symptoms.
• There is no known way to prevent it. It is best to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment or condition.

References

• Athreya B. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. KidsHealth. 2001 November (cited 2002 April 22). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=133&article_set=22922
• Moore, M. Children with Arthritis: Frequently Asked Questions. Iowa Health Book. 2000 September (cited 2002 April 22). URL: http://www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/Peds/Rheumatology/Arthritis/Arthritis.html
• NIAMS. Health Topics: Questions and Answers About Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. 2001 July (cited 2002 April 22). URL: http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/juvenile_arthritis/juvarthr,htm

See related Patient Topics Arthritis, Bones, Joints and Muscles, Child and Teen Health, Food, Nutrition and Metabolism, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

See related Provider Topics Bones, Joints and Muscles, Child and Teen Health, Food, Nutrition and Metabolism or Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

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